Ted Cruz Campaigns With Carly Fiorina, Courts Female Voters In Madison

Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz made an appeal to female voters at an event in Madison on Wednesday.

The Texas senator said Democrats pigeonhole women by identifying certain issues as “women’s issues.”

“I have news for the Democratic Party: Women are not a special interest,” Cruz said. “Every issue is a women’s issue.”

At the event, which he called “a celebration of strong women,” Cruz was joined onstage by his mother Eleanor; his wife, Heidi; and former Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina. Fiorina endorsed Cruz earlier this month, saying he is the only Republican candidate who can stop Donald Trump.

The former Hewlett-Packard executive called Trump a part of “the system” of big business that hurts the little guy.

“He will preserve the system, because he’s taken advantage of the system all his life,” she said.

Fiorina is scheduled to join Cruz for events across the state on Wednesday and Thursday.

The event, billed as the “Women for Cruz Coalition Rollout” was moderated by Rebecca Hagelin, a conservative author and former Heritage Foundation executive. Hagelin directed questions about child-rearing and family values to Eleanor and Heidi Cruz, as well as Fiorina, who spoke about her daughter’s battle with addiction and how business leadership applies to parenthood.

“Every good parent is a leader if they unlock potential in their children,” Fiorina said.

Heidi Cruz spoke about her childhood and shared details about her relationship with her husband, which has made tabloid headlines of late.

“I need you know why I fell in love with him,” she said. “It’s because of how incredibly thoughtful he is of all the women in his life.”

Ted Cruz sat quietly for most of the discussion.

“I’ve been blessed my whole life to be surrounded by strong women,” he said in closing remarks. “I have to say, I’m inspired. I really hope our daughters were listening to this program today.”

Cruz is just one of the presidential candidates who have been furiously campaigning across Wisconsin in the lead-up to the state’s primary on April 5.